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The Tottenham boss celebrated a positive UCL bow thanks to a calamitous mistake by Villarreal goalkeeper the keeper.

Uncontested, the Villarreal player mishandled the midfielder's cross into his own net, handing the home team a perfect beginning.

This represented former Brentford boss Frank's first time in the event, but the team faced scares at times before the half.

A crucial intervention by Van de Ven denied one-time Arsenal player Pepe from scoring, while the Villarreal player fired a shot astray.

But only a save by the keeper denied Spurs from getting a second goal when he kept out Pape Matar Sarr's effort.

Villarreal came on strong in the second half, but Tottenham held strong to thwart them.

The forward might have been more clinical with a headed chance as Tottenham looked for a security goal, but in the end it was not needed.

Breakdown: Spurs Unconvincing but Defending Stands Out

This was the result Tottenham desired on their return to the Champions League, but it was far from a perfect display.

The goalie's regrettable mistake got the fans going and could have been the foundation for a strong showing, but that was not the case.

Tottenham's start to the campaign has been notable, with notable wins against the Hammers and City, but there was also a concerning result in a loss to another side.

The team displayed more parallels to that game with several weak passages of play and sloppy passes whenever they attacked.

Nevertheless, their backline was resolute with one player and Bentancur making vital tackles, especially in the second half.

Victory means Spurs are now undefeated in their last 21 home games in Uefa competitions.

Player of the Match

Jersey: 37 Van de Ven

Score: 7.49

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Related Topics

• UEFA Competitions
• Tottenham Hotspur
• The Sport